There has been plenty of speculation regarding the New England Patriots’ attempts to land a No. 1 wide receiver in free agency.
San Francisco 49ers All-Pro receiver Brandon Aiyuk has been a name that has come up often in recent weeks. That talk exploded even further when Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported the Patriots offered a second-round pick in a pre-draft trade offer for Aiyuk.
Coach Jerod Mayo weighed in on Tuesday on the possibility of the Patriots acquiring a big-time player, such as Aiyuk from the 49ers.
“We’re always interested in getting the best players on our team,” Mayo said, per MassLive’s Mark Daniels. “Whatever that looks like. Look, we’re third on the waiver wire as well. There will be some quality players that get released for various reasons and we’ll have an opportunity to improve our roster. So, if you’re going to sit there and ask me ‘Would we take a big player no matter what position?’ Absolutely. Absolutely. Not only today, but in the future.”
Aiyuk would be able to bring the talent of a top-receiving threat to New England.
He is coming off a season that saw him record 75 catches for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He was a key reason why the 49ers were able to get to the Super Bowl.
The Patriots desperately need a big-play weapon to build their offense around, and Aiyuk fits the bill. So far, however, San Francisco hasn’t shown a willingness to make a trade.
That will have to change if the front office even wants a chance to get a deal done.